A night in honour of Martin Connolly

A TRIBUTE concert in honour of the great Martin Connolly will take place in Cois na hAbhna this Saturday as part of the Fleadh Nua.

Featuring the talents of Eileen O’Brien, Bobby Gardiner, Geraldine Cotter, Ritchie Dwyer, Mícheál O’Rourke, Maureen Glynn Ceili Band and more, an audience will be treated to a night of music and chat to remember the Killaloe native who sadly passed away in 2021.

In the early 1970s when Tradional music in Ireland was taking hold on the young population with the arrival of Planxty, De Danann and the Bothy Band, a young Killaloe box player was making waves on the trad scene.

Martin Connolly with his virtuosity on the accordion was blazing a trail with his accordion that has now lasted 50 years.

He was exciting to listen to as his wonderful rhythm coupled with his extraordinary finger-work inspired every box player who heard him play. His dark curly hair and darting eyes as he played would light up a room and generate great excitement in an audience.

He was at a young age a master of his craft and was a devoted admirer of Paddy O’Brien the Nenagh master and of course Joe Burke from Galway. It is fittng that we remember this iconic figure in Irish music who set a very high bar for adjudicators and teachers of this instrument.

Trad Music and trad musicians today in Clare and indeed around the world are in a better place because of the influence of Martin Connolly and Ireland’s culture is richer because of his wonderful talent that he passed on to the next generation. great emphasis on sustainable communities. We strongly support community groups and the work they do to protect and enhance our environment, thus making Ennis a great place to live. Ennis Municipal District, along with community groups, is determined to showcase all that Ennis has to offer under the specific criteria.”

He was a perfectionist in every sense of the word and his passing aer a long illness has left a void in Clare music circles that will never be filled.

Martin was a one off and the night in Cois na Habhna, his family, his friends, his students and his music comrades will assemble to say “Thank you Martin” for being part of all their journeys in music.

Cormac McCarthy, Chairperson of Ennis Tidy Towns, added, “We are delighted to be part of the Communities in Bloom team, bringing our expertise in biodiversity, sustainability, climate action, and community engagement to ensure the strongest possible entry. We look forward to welcoming the judges to Ennis in July and showcasing our town, our heritage, and our communities in action.”